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Hawaii’s Fred Patacchia started strong in the first round of the Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour opener on Saturday.
Patacchia scored a 13.03 for his two best waves to defeat Brett Simpson (12.37) and Jordy Smith (8.40) in the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast contest in Australia.
With the win, Patacchia advanced to the third round.
Kauai’s Sebastian Zietz took second in his heat and moved on to the second round. Zietz (13.17) got shaded by Nat Young (13.50).
Hawaii’s John John Florence (13.40) made the second round after taking second to Gabriel Medina (15.67).
Among the heat winners were 11-time world champ Kelly Slater, former world champion Joel Parkinson, Dane Reynolds and Taj Burrow.
Defending world champion Mick Fanning (14.20) took second to Reynolds (14.83) and moved to the second round.